Understanding goat production systems in diverse agro-ecological zones under subtropical climate: a farmer-centered...

This survey investigated goat farming practices in diverse agro-ecological zones under subtropical climate, with a focus on management, breeding, feeding, and health challenges. Results revealed that 53.1% of farmers were illiterate, with informal record-keeping predominating across all zones. Herd size ranged from 50 to 130 goats, with zones X (central-eastern irrigated plain), VII (south-central irrigated plain), and V (southern Punjab) markedly favoring sedentary production and semi-intensive management (96%). Feeding practices primarily relied on grazing and seasonal fodder, with Jantar and Barseem being the most common choices. Awareness of mineral supplementation varied across zones. Breeding practices showed seasonal trends, with zones X and V exhibiting the highest and lowest awareness of crossbreeding, respectively. Most farmers (69.4%) maintained a single buck, with 87.8% breeding goats at 12-18 months. Artificial insemination (AI) was absent in all zones. Kidding occurred primarily in winter (47%), with kid mortality due to cold weather (71.4%) consistent across zones. Pregnancy diagnosis relied on physical signs (73.5%), and 99% of farmers provided special nutrition to pregnant goats. Major health challenges included Peste des Petitis Ruminants and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia, with pneumonia being most prevalent during winter. Despite these challenges, vaccination rates were consistently high (98%) across zones. The findings highlight the need for agro-ecological zone-specific interventions to improve goat farming practices, productivity, and disease management.